How do I sign my New Hampshire vehicle title?
Selling a car in New Hampshire? Follow the steps below to make sure your title transfer is handled correctly and the sale holds up legally. If a dealer is buying the vehicle, talk with them before signing your title.
1. Verify Your Title
Check that the title is currently in your name and that all printed details are accurate. If you can't locate the title, or it's been damaged, you'll need to apply for a duplicate through the New Hampshire DMV before continuing with the sale.
2. Notarization Is Not Required
For a standard private sale, New Hampshire does not require the seller's signature on the title to be notarized. The signatures of the seller and buyer on the title itself are sufficient. Notarization may be required only in special circumstances, such as when someone is signing on your behalf using a Power of Attorney. If you are unsure whether your situation requires notarization, contact the New Hampshire DMV directly.
3. Complete the Seller Information on the Back of the Title
Flip the title over to find the seller information section, which needs to be filled out without errors:
- Seller's Signature: Sign in the box labeled for the seller's signature. All owners listed on the title must sign.
- Printed Name of Seller: Print your name exactly as it appears on the title.
- Buyer Information: Provide the buyer's full name and address in the designated section.
- Odometer Reading: Provide the vehicle's accurate mileage at the time of sale, ensuring this information is filled in correctly without errors. It is important to not guess this number, and record an exact mileage number.
Important: Avoid making corrections, using white-out, or crossing out information, as this will invalidate the title.
4. Address Liens
Any active lien listed on the title must be cleared before the sale can complete. The lienholder either needs to sign off on the title or supply a lien release letter. Don't attempt to transfer the title until this is resolved.
5. Consider Multiple Owners
When two or more owners are listed on the title, the wording between the names determines who needs to sign:
- "AND": Both owners are required to sign.
- "OR": Only one owner needs to sign.
Important: New Hampshire does not issue titles for vehicles model year 1999 or older. For these older vehicles, ownership is transferred using the prior registration and a bill of sale.
Key Takeaways
- Notarization is not required for a standard private sale.
- Ensure all signatures match exactly as they appear on the title.
- Address any existing liens before proceeding.
These steps cover the New Hampshire title-signing process for a standard sale. For deeper guidance and any state-specific exceptions, refer to the New Hampshire DMV website.
Verified May 2026

